Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Pebbles just had her surgery 2 days ago. She had a rather vicious melonoma in her left front leg. Even though she will turn 14 in a week, we opted for ampawtation since she has so much beautiful life left in her. She has rested most of the the two days that she has been home and seems to be in minimal pain. The issue is that we have a very very hard time in getting her up to go outside to do her business. Last night she yelped and whined and carried on until she had to go so badly that she forced herself up to where I could help her up. We had tried to help her up earlier, but she just flopped over on her side and refused help or to get up. Once she got up, she went a bit of the way on her own, but I carried her quite a way as well. She did take some great hoppy steps on her own outside and she actually did poop. But now it is 24 hours later, she has eaten 2 meals and drank a lot of water and she refuses to get up and is doing her floppy move again. She is now actually almost rigid on her back, totally refusing to budge.
I am guessing that she will get up when she really has to go, but I am getting concerned with this behavior. Looking for any suggestions or possible explanations of this behavior. She has always been stubborn, but I am just so concerned about her not going, even to pee.
pebbles said:
she will get up when she really has to go...
It is very typical for some dogs to take days to do their business. As Jerry's surgeon told us, when they need to go, they'll go. But please consult with your veterinarian if you have serious concerns.
What medication is Pebbles on? She may also just be too dopey to get around. Welcome to the recovery rollercoaster. Please keep us posted, as Pebbles will likely surprise you any day now. One word of advice though, a little "tough love" can go a long way to help speed recovery. Dr. Waldman from Cal Animal Rehab suggests that always helping a recovering dog can make them dependant upon your assistance.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Pebbles is such a neat dog, we saw her pic and video on Facebook, thanks for joining us here.
Keep in mind that dogs are a lot like people. Some take longer to recuperate, some are faster. You know Pebbles better than anyone else, so if her stubbornness is even worse than usual, or there is excessive discharge at the incision site, you may want to mention this to your vet. As Admin said, tough love does go a long way, however. Let us know how she does today OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Ah yes, those fabulous first 2 weeks, they're not a lot of fun and can be quite challenging. I would suspect a possible side effect from the meds as a possible reason for Pebbles actions. I would like to think if she has already had a "movement" that would be an indication things are working but I have seen where certain meds can cause constipation, I would think if she has to really go, she will ask to go out. I think most dogs at this stage are different than normal, so I would feel fairly safe in saying expect the unexpected at this point. Talk to your vet if you feel there is something that should be addressed or looked at, most vets want to know right away if there seems to be something not looking right. Paws up, spirit Gus and Dan
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
Thank you so much for your answer. Pebbles finally pooped and peed this AM! We had read the e-book and the site for information on this and it seemed as though peeing was not specifically mentioned much as an issue, just pooping–that's what we were the most concerned about as she had drunk so much water. She has Hip Dysplacia–she has had this since she was five, so is not used to using her back legs for full weight as she has a strong chest and would put most of her weight on her front legs. So I think there was much more fear for her than pain. She is only taking Rimadyl and she is quite aware and not dopey. We finally used a body pillow as a sling to support her which worked really well. The towel and sling didn't work so well (I am excited when we can use the Ruff Harness!). I think the pillow took the fear away and helped her to feel more supported. We also chose to let her walk the whole way–unfortunately we do not have a back yard. We live in a rural area on a dead end street, but still makes for an even more interesting challenge. She really did great. Thinking perhaps that doing exercises to strenghten her back legs is definitely in order. I have had 2 dogs in the past who had ACL surgery and water therapy worked wonders for them. She has been takingn glucosamine for some time (Joint Max chewies).
Thank you again for your encouragement and strength that you give with all of your information and words.
Just saw the 2 more replies! Thank you spirit Gus and Dan and Jerry. Thank you just doesn't seem to be enough...
pebbles said:
She has been taking glucosamine for some time (Joint Max chewies).
What a coincidence, must be good stuff ... we just published a Joint Max Triple Strength Chews testimonial from Bandit, a large three legged German Shepherd.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Our springer Fern had lost her front right leg 24 days ago, and I know how you are feeling but trust in these good people's advice, they really know what they are talking about.
Fern didn't poo for 6 days, she wouldn't eat unless we fed her on her bed for 13 days and she would not drink unless we took it to her bed for 11 days.
The first 2 weeks are hell, but now we have a happy spaniel again who is enjoying life as she did before even though she does things a little slower.
We read lots about 'tough love' they will eat when they're hungry etc. Our experience (and advice we got from a doctor friend) was nurse Fern, if she were a human she would be in bed for the best part of 2 weeks. I guess you know your dog better than any of us, so my advice is read these posts, but also remember how Pebbles was before surgery and adapt things, because Pebbles will have changed very little in herself.
My thoughts are with you and Pebbles but I also know that things will soon be great again for you very soon.
Don't expect things to happen quickly as that may lead to disappointment, but be assured that they will happen when they happen, and you won't have to wait too long.
Thank you so much Fern's dad! I am feeling more peaceful now about this
whole process, and I know MY feeling peaceful will be picked up on by
Pebbles, so it is a win-win!
Hi, welcome to you & Pebbles.
You might want to consider Power Paws or another type of traction sock for Pebbles. When dogs are not used to putting their weight on their rear legs, even when they are forced to, they often try to modify their step & can end up sort of skimming whatever surface they are walking on, increasing their instability. If Pebbles has been doing this for a while, she's likely quite good at it. While they are learning to adjust, some traction gives them confidence. My dog, Isabelle, still tries to avoid putting full weight on her remaining back leg & sometimes still wears Power Paws on her rear leg. We've had great results w/underwater treadmill, although it wasn't new to her, as she had been going 3x/week for 8mos prior to her amputation. She was back in the water POD #10. Even dogs who've never had therapy before are in the treadmill,l at the center we use, as soon as their sutures are out. It goes along way to rapidly increase the strength of the remaining limbs.
I have to weigh in on the side of "tough love" too. If they don't fall, they don't learn to get up and don't know how to avoid falling the next time. If they're motivated to get their food, water, or treats, they learn quickly to do so safely, while you're there….so you know they can do it when you're not. Immobility is so often the enemy of those with arthritis/joint problems. With all respect to Fern's dad's friend, there is no human,( in the US anyway) who wouldn't be out of bed within 8-12 hours after an uncomplicated limb amputation. The mortality/morbidity rate would be astronomical.
I'm glad Pebbles is finally eliminating more normally. It isn't too abnormal for an older female (especially larger) dog to be able to hold out without urinating for a really long time. The first few days she may have been a bit behind on fluids from surgery.
Wishing Pebbles a speedy recovery. I'm sure she will be hopping around joyfully very soon!
Cynthia
fernsdad said:
Don't expect things to happen quickly as that may lead to disappointment, but be assured that they will happen when they happen, and you won't have to wait too long.
This is probably the best advice you will get. It is important to remember they each heal at their own pace. You will look back in a couple of weeks and wish for a little down time!
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
We're a little late to this post, but just wanted to chime in with well wishes and Hoorays that Pebbles peed and pooped! Who knew those bodily functions could cause such joy? 
hee hee
Anyway, good luck with the next few weeks - they can be a rollercoaster. But we're sure Pebbles will amaze you with how well she adapts. I agree with the advice already given about expecting things to happen too quickly. They will happen at Pebbles' pace. We'll keep all fingers and paws crossed for a strong recovery!
Hugs,
Holly, Zuzu and Susan
Holly joined the world of tripawds on 12/29/2009. She has a big little sister, Zuzu, who idolizes Holly and tries to make all of her toys into tripawds in Holly's honor. And she's enjoying life one hop at a time!
http://anyemery.....ipawds.com
We are late in coming in too but just wanted to welcome you and Pepples to the community!
I hope Pepples has a very speedy recovery!
Comet's mom
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
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